THE UK CANNABIS CAFE MOVEMENT

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Cannabis cafes - called "Coffeeshops" - have existed in The Netherlands since the mid-70's. These places sell and allow cannabis to be consumed under strict regulations such as a lower age limit of 18, ban on "hard" drugs etc, and subject to the approval of local authorities. They are not strictly legal and cannot buy their supplies legally, which can create problems through continued "criminal" associations. Much of the cannabis sold is now also produced in Holland. The Dutch Government claims that the coffeeshops have enabled a separation of cannabis supply from that of addictive and dangerous drugs.

Opponents claim that coffeeshops cause problems by introducing cannabis which leads to hard drugs and that Amsterdam is a crime-riddled city funded by drug tourists.

With the proposal of the reclassification of cannabis in the UK it will remain illegal but as a class C drug people found in possession of small amounts will not have to be arrested - the likelihood of similar venues in Britain has increased.

Police say they will have to close down these cafes. Campaigners - supported by many people including local councillors and MPs, vow to continue.

Here is some of the story as it unfolds: 

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CHRIS BALDWIN

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